April 29, 2008

GREELEY, Colo. - The Northern Colorado soccer team wrapped up its final weekend of the spring season with a 1-0 loss to Colorado, along with a 3-1 win over the alumni and a spring clinic that drew over 100 local youth.

"I was very pleased with how we played against CU," said Head Coach Tim Barrera. "They are a very good team and we played our best game of the spring. We had some chances and also defended very well."

The Buffs took the lead in the 84^th minute with Monique Wells making some key saves early on. Jessica Zimmerman also hit the crossbar on a long range volley.

The clinic, which was hosted on Sunday, was a joint effort with the Bears, the Northern Colorado Soccer Club, the Colorado Rapids and Mayor Ed Clark and was organized by former NC student-athlete Marin Shanahan.

"The clinic went very well," Barrera stated. "We had great weather, a lot of kids and everyone had a great time."

Overall, the Bears finished the spring season with a 5-3-2 mark which included victories over Air Force, Colorado College and Denver. After the conclusion the Bears announced the team award winners for the year. Megan Miller was named the MVP, Rookie of the Year went to both Olivia Deamond and Brittani Knott and Katey Borman was honored as the Most Improved.

"I was happy with how we improved through the spring, from our first match with Denver to the CU game," Barrera said. "We were able to try some people in different positions and get our young players some good experience."

Teresa Prais led the team with four goals through the spring season, while Megan Bellendir and Ashley Brumback led the defense that tallied four shutouts and gave up less than a goal per game.

The Bears open the fall training season the week of August 6^th.